Wheatland Hotel Strathmore: Your Unforgettable Alberta Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into a review of the Wheatland Hotel in Strathmore, Alberta. "Your Unforgettable Alberta Getaway Awaits!" they say. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, yeah?
Accessibility: Making Sure Everyone Can Join the Party (Mostly)
Okay, so the Accessibility section is crucial, and honestly, it's a bit of a mixed bag. They've got Facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. The Elevator is a lifesaver, especially if you're lugging suitcases like I do… always. But, you know, the devil's in the details. I didn't see specifics on things like ramps or specialized rooms, and that's something that really needs to be clear on their website. If you need something specific, CALL 'EM. Don't trust the website completely.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I didn't get a chance to see or use these, but I didn't see specifics on accessibility for these either. More call-ahead to clarify.
Wheelchair Accessible: TBD - Call Ahead! Again, need to know the specifics. They claim to be, but verify, verify, verify!
Internet Access: The Digital Lifeline - Or, How I Almost Screamed
Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services, and glorious, glorious Wi-Fi in public areas. And, praise be, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is non-negotiable in 2024, people. Thank you, Wheatland, for recognizing this. The Wi-Fi was…mostly good. There were a few moments where I wanted to throw my laptop out the window (blame my work, not the hotel, mostly), but overall, it held up.
Things to Do: Relax, Pamper, and Maybe… Get Bored?
This is where it gets interesting. They have a laundry list of stuff, bless their hearts.
- Ways to relax: Okay, so they've got a Body scrub and Body wrap. Fancy! I'm no spa girl, but I'm always up for being pampered.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I actually did peep the Fitness Center, and it was…fine. Treadmills, a few weights. Definitely not a hardcore gym, but enough to get a sweat on.
- Foot bath: A foot bath! Now, that sounds delightful, right? After a long day, it could be incredible.
- Massage: Yes, please! Get me a massage any day, even better if it's included.
- Pool with view: I'm picturing a shimmering vista from the brochure, but let's be real, Alberta is beautiful, but sometimes swimming pools are underwhelming.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool: Okay, they are really pulling out the stops for the relaxation. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is a big plus. Gotta love a dip on a sunny day.
The ONE Thing I REALLY Want to Talk About:
I have to tell you about this. I spent an entire afternoon chilling in the Sauna. That steaming, sweaty box of gloriousness. I’m not gonna lie, I’m prone to overthinking. But in there, I just… let go. It was a total reset. My brain switched off. All the stress from the road trip, all the "to-do" lists, vanished. I sat. I sweated. I maybe even dozed. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. I highly recommend the sauna.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Survive? (Probably)
This section is HUGE right now, and important.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Nice to know.
- Breakfast in room: Convenient if you aren't feeling social
- Breakfast takeaway service: More flexibility.
- Cashless payment service: Very important.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Good.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Essential.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Good for feeling clean.
- Hygiene certification: I didn't see it specifically, but they mention "staff trained in safety protocol".
- Individually-wrapped food options: Appreciated.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Seems to be enforced.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Reassuring, at that is what is said.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Good to have the option.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Expected.
- Safe dining setup: Important
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Must be.
- Shared stationery removed: Good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Reassuring.
- Sterilizing equipment: Hopefully used.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: All good signs.
- Security [24-hour]: Okay.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Okay, this is where the Wheatland Hotel really delivers, or at least tries to. Food can make or break a stay, and with the options available, you have a good shot.
- A la carte in restaurant.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Yay for flexibility!
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Interesting.
- Bar, Bottle of water: Essential.
- Breakfast [buffet]: I'm a total sucker for a buffet, even if it's not the fanciest. It's a treat.
- Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop.
- Desserts in restaurant.
- Happy hour: Woohoo!
- International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour].
- Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: Variety is the spice of life!
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: You're in Alberta!
Okay, look, the restaurants are decent. I found a great little corner table to eat my breakfast. The coffee was hot, the juice was fresh, and the buffet had the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, the sad little hash browns… but it also had fresh fruit and some pastries. It hit the spot. And 24-hour room service is pure gold, especially after a long day. I may have accidentally ordered a burger at 2 am. Whoops.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Stuff like: Air conditioning in public area, an Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. Yes, these things are important to know. I was super grateful for the Daily housekeeping. The rooms were kept clean and fresh. The Concierge was friendly and helpful. The Convenience store was also a lifesaver for grabbing a snack or a forgotten toothbrush.
For the Kids: Tiny Humans Welcome?
- Babysitting service: Good!
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They claim to be!
- Access: I'm not sure if they have a dedicated kids' zone, but overall it seemed welcoming to families. More call-ahead to verify.
Available in All Rooms: Comforts and Necessities
This is a list of amenities that's pretty standard, but still important! Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. I loved the hair dryer, because let's face it, that's the one thing I always forget! Blackout curtains are perfect for a good night's sleep.
Santorini's HOTTEST Suite: Ocean Views & Private Hot Tub!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Wheatland Hotel Strathmore itinerary is gonna be LESS "travel brochure perfect" and MORE "me trying to wrestle the existential dread of being in a hotel."
Wheatland Hotel Strathmore - A Descent (and Ascent?) Into Canadian Heartland:
Day 1: Arrival & Awkward First Impressions
- 1:00 PM - Arrival. Or, "Where the Heck is Strathmore?" My GPS led me here, but honestly, I think it's still stuck somewhere back in the Jurassic period. Seriously, the drive in felt like a landscape painting… a VERY beige landscape painting. Wheat fields for days, interspersed with the occasional, bewildered-looking cow. The hotel itself? Well, let's say it was a "rustic" welcome. Meaning, the lobby smelled vaguely of old carpet and the front desk clerk, a woman with the kindest smile I've ever seen, looked like she'd been there since the dawn of time.
- 1:15 PM - Room Reconnaissance. The "Does This Bed Have Ghosts?" Test. Okay, the room. It's…cleanish? The bedspread has a suspicious sheen, and the wallpaper floral motif looks like it's seen better decades. I'm giving myself an imaginary pep talk: "Just breathe. It's a bed. It'll do." But I'm still side-eyeing it, half expecting a spectral figure of a farmer to materialize at any moment. I swear, I heard a creak! Nope, just the pipes.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch at the Hotel Restaurant (The "Hope This Doesn't Kill Me" Meal). The menu promised "classic Canadian fare." I ordered the…poutine. Because, Canada. And I'd heard it was the law. The poutine arrived. I'm not gonna lie, it looked…suspicious. Soggy fries, cheese curds that were mostly melted into the gravy, and gravy that tasted…off. Let's just say it was a culinary experience. One that will probably feature heavily in my nightmares. I'm pretty sure I saw a squirrel doing a tap dance outside the window, laughing at me as I ate.
- 3:00 PM - Exploring Strathmore or "Where Did Everyone Go?" I tried venturing outside the hotel. Walked down the main street I saw… absolutely nobody. Okay, a dog. A VERY friendly golden retriever who seemed thrilled to be the only living thing in town. He wanted belly rubs. I gave 'em. And I kinda felt less alone.
- Evening - Dinner (avoiding the poutine menu) & Bed. Maybe with a Prayer. Okay, I'm just going to admit it. I was craving a good fast food chain. I'll grab it from McDonald's and then go back to my room and pray to not find any ghosts.
Day 2: Getting a Little Bit Loco (and Maybe Slightly Less Miserable)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast. The "Can I Get Away From Here?" Edition. I considered skipping breakfast, but starvation is a killer. So, I ventured back to the hotel restaurant, where I saw the same kindly woman from the front desk. I ordered some toast and coffee. I saw the squirrel outside again. I think we made eye contact.
- 10:00 AM - Local Exploration: The Strathmore Ag Society. "Is This Real Life?" Okay, this was actually…kind of awesome. Seriously! I went to the Ag Society, where I saw old tractors. I talked to a local farmer who looked like he'd walked straight out of a John Deere catalog. He told me stories about the history of the town, about the challenges of farming, about the importance of community. He called me "sweetheart" a few times, and I almost cried. I realized, maybe, just maybe, I was starting to like Strathmore.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch! The restaurant's chef outdid himself, with a simple yet flavorful meal. This was much better than the poutine, I have to admit.
- 1:00 PM - A Return to the Strathmore Ag Society. I went back to the Ag Society, where I saw old tractors. I talked to a local farmer who looked like he'd walked straight out of a John Deere catalog. He told me stories about the history of the town, about the challenges of farming, about the importance of community. He called me "sweetheart" a few times, and I almost cried. I realized, maybe, just maybe, I was starting to like Strathmore. I realized, maybe, just maybe, I was starting to like Strathmore. I was falling in love with the simplicity.
- Evening - The Strathmore Stampede: I decided to embrace the local spirit and head to the stampede. This was wild. Roping, riding, and the sheer energy of the crowd was electrifying. I cheered, I almost fell on my face trying to take a decent photo. It was pure, unadulterated, chaotic fun. I ate a ridiculously large corn dog and felt… happy. Seriously, the corn dog cured everything.
- Night - Sleep. No ghosts (I think). I crashed in bed. I dreamt about tractors. And corn dogs. And nice farmers. Life in Wheatland might be alright after all.
Day 3: Departure & (A Little Bit of) Longing
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast. The "Sad to Leave, But Also…" Edition. The kindly woman from the front desk was there. She smiled. "Enjoying your stay, dear?" I had to admit, I was. Surprisingly, I was. I said goodbye and almost teared up.
- 10:00 AM - A Final Stroll & Farewell. I took one last walk down main street. The golden retriever ran over to greet me. I gave him one last belly rub, and then, I left.
- 11:00 AM - Checkout from the Hotel.
- 12:00 AM - Departure.
- Post-trip musings: So, yeah. Wheatland Hotel. Strathmore. It wasn't what I expected. It wasn't perfect. The poutine was still a crime against humanity. But it was…real. And in its own, weird, slightly dusty way, it was… charming. I left with a full belly, a lighter heart, and a newfound appreciation for the simple life. I'm not sure I'll ever fully understand this place, but I'm glad I went. And, hey, maybe I'll go back someday. Maybe. Just maybe.
Wheatland Hotel, Strathmore: Before You Book (Or Maybe After...You'll See!)
Okay, So...What *Exactly* Is the Wheatland Hotel? Is It Fancy? Because My Jeans Are, Like, *Really* Not.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because 'fancy' and the Wheatland Hotel... well, they're not exactly holding hands strolling through a rose garden. Think comfy, think practical, think "homey." It’s a solid, no-frills hotel in Strathmore, Alberta. It's not the Ritz (thank GOD, my bank account would weep), but it's clean, it's got a decent bed, and they haven't yet forced you to tip the elevator operator. Consider it more like a reliable friend than a glitzy show-off. My jeans? They've been there. They're still welcome. (Thank you, Wheatland!)
Strathmore? Where's *That*? I'm Geographically Challenged (and Hungover).
Strathmore, my friend, is in Alberta. Like, *in* Alberta, not a figment of someone's imagination. It's east of Calgary, a convenient hop skip and a jump depending on how heavy your foot is (and if you're remembering to pack a good travel mug for your coffee, ahem). Perfect for escaping the city for a bit, maybe checking out the dinosaur museum if you're into that sort of thing. (Dinosaurs... honestly, they're alright, but I’m more of a "lie on the couch and watch reality TV" kind of gal…)
Are the Rooms Clean? Because I’m Seriously Germaphobic. (And I Judge Hotels Hard.)
Okay, okay, let's talk clean. Look, I'm not going to lie and pretend I've personally checked every single grout line with a microscope. But honestly? The rooms are consistently clean. I've stayed there several times, and whilst I'm not a hardcore germaphobe, I *do* notice things (like, hello, dust bunnies!). The Wheatland Hotel doesn’t give off "house of horrors" vibes. Trust me, I'd be screaming from the rooftops if they did. My personal benchmark is this: Would I put my suitcase on the bed? Yes. Would I walk barefoot? Maybe after a thorough inspection. You know... the usual!
What About Breakfast? Is It a Continental Disaster or a Glorious Feast? Because My Morning Mood Depends On It.
Breakfast. Ah, the make-or-break moment of any hotel stay. The Wheatland offers a complimentary breakfast. Let's be real: It's not a gourmet experience that'll make you forget your name. It's basic, but it does the trick. Think: toast, cereal, maybe some instant oatmeal, and (fingers crossed) a waffle maker... or two! Coffee? Abundant. And that, my friends, is what truly matters in the bleary-eyed hours of morning. Don't expect Michelin stars, go in with reasonable expectations, and you'll be fine. I usually load up on the carbs for some decent fuel for the day.
Are There Any Restaurants Nearby? 'Cause I'm Hungry *Now*. Like, *Really* Hungry.
Strathmore has options, my friend! The Wheatland Hotel is conveniently located close enough to a variety of eateries. You can find the usual suspects: fast food chains, the reliable diner (always a classic!), and a few independent places that are worth checking out. Do your research (Google Maps is your friend) and pick your poison. I once stumbled into an Italian place nearby – the pasta was *surprisingly* good, and the portions were HUGE. (Perfect for someone who's *always* really hungry, ahem.) Don’t be afraid to explore!
Okay, Let's Talk Wifi. Is It Reliable? Because I Have a Serious Social Media Addiction (Don't Judge Me!).
Wifi. The bane of every traveler's existence. I'm happy to report that the Wi-Fi at the Wheatland Hotel *usually* works. It's not always lightning-fast (don't expect to stream 4K movies), but it's generally sufficient for basic browsing, checking emails, and, yes, indulging in a bit of social media. It's a hotel, not a NASA facility, so manage your expectations. There might be the occasional hiccup, but I’ve never been completely cut off – I'd probably go into full-blown withdrawal if I was.
What Are the Staff Like? Are They Friendly? I Like Friendly.
The staff? Generally friendly. I've found the folks at the front desk to be helpful and accommodating. They’re not going to shower you with excessive attention, but they're polite, responsive, and they’ll get you what you need. I’ve had a few minor hiccups (who hasn’t?), but they were always dealt with quickly and efficiently. (Once, my key card didn't work – a minor crisis, I tell you! – but they fixed it within minutes. Good people.) They have a nice, small-town vibe about them… and that’s always a plus.
Is There a Pool or Gym? 'Cause I Gotta Work Out or Face the Consequences (Mostly Guilt).
Alright, let's get real: No pool. No gym. This isn't a resort, people. If you *absolutely* must have a workout while you're there, you’ll have to get creative. Maybe a brisk walk around town (Strathmore, I’m not going to lie, isn’t exactly known for its marathon-worthy routes). Possibly a few push-ups in your room. Accept the fact that you might not get your typical gym routine in and find a different way to fill that little void. The lack of these amenities shouldn't be a deal-breaker, unless you literally cannot function without a treadmill. Which, if you're that dedicated, fair play!
Parking? Easy or a Total Nightmare? I Hate Circling the Block a Million Times.
Parking is a breeze. Seriously. I've never had an issue finding a spot. There's ample parking right outside the hotel. You won’t be struggling to find somewhere to park your car. This is a huge plus! No added stress before you've even checked in. Praise be!
